“Life is for living – the question isn’t whether to build wealth or enjoy it, but how to do both”.
In October 2022, I underwent major heart surgery. It forced me to stop and reassess what really matters. I realised how fragile life is – and how important it is not to defer joy or connection to some future point that may never arrive. That experience fundamentally changed how I approach financial planning.
Whether you’re growing your wealth or ready to use it, the question remains: can I spend without worry? My advice gives you the confidence to say yes. What’s the point of building wealth if you’re not able to enjoy it or create memories with the people you love?
Since my operation, I have encouraged many clients to have health checks. In some cases, early detection has quite literally saved lives. In others, it’s brought reassurance and peace of mind. That’s what truly excites me about this work – not just helping clients build wealth, but helping them live well, spend with confidence, and enjoy their lives knowing they’re not drifting off course. When clients send photos from holidays or share stories about time spent with grandchildren or loved ones, it reminds me exactly why I do this.
I joined Mattioli Woods in 2012, and over that time I have come to understand the importance of empathy and judgement at different stages of life. One moment in particular captures how I work. During what should have been a routine ongoing planning review meeting, I sensed something was not right. The couple confirmed that one of them had experienced a rapid health decline due to a neurological condition. The meeting immediately shifted focus – from long-term planning to what they needed now. The husband asked whether they should invest a significant sum to generate income for potential care costs. Instead of proceeding, I took a step back and reviewed everything they already had – their income, assets, and actual needs. It became clear they didn’t need to invest any more at all. They already had enough. Sometimes the right advice is knowing when not to act.
My approach is simple. I want clients to enjoy their lives. I want them to spend with confidence, knowing they’re still on the right path. If something is worrying a client, or they have asked for my view, I will always make time to address it- I don’t leave people carrying uncertainty into a weekend so will always do my best to be prompt in my response Financial decisions are deeply personal, and clarity matters.
I’m passionate about providing peace of mind through thoughtful, tailored planning. I simplify complex financial issues so clients can make informed decisions with confidence, and I work with them to build strategies that evolve with their lives. That support often extends beyond the individual, offering reassurance to partners and family as well. Helping people who have placed pensions, investments, or Inheritance Tax planning in the ‘too hard’ category is very much my strength.
One couple came to me five years ago with the hope of retiring within three to five years. By consolidating their pensions and building a plan aligned to their needs and risk comfort, they realised they were in a far stronger position than they had thought. Today, they take regular holidays, spend meaningful time with their grandchildren, and – most importantly to me – one of them is able to spend time gardening with his father, now in his 90s, something he hadn’t had time to do before. Those moments matter. They last.
Outside of work, I’m happily married, share life with a much-loved dog, and spend as much time as I can with my family – especially my grandad, who often features in my LinkedIn posts. It keeps me grounded and reminds me why this work matters.
